Is Angel for a girl okay to use?

[hazeleyes94]

Yesterday evening my husband suggested the name Angel in case we'll have a daughter. I was pleasantly surprised because he hardly ever suggests any names. I do sort of like it because I love the sentiment behind it, and I think it's a lovely meaning.

I googled it a bit and people on the internet seem less enthusiastic about it. Do you think it's fine to use or would we not be doing her a favour? I know I shouldn't care what people think but it's so hard.

On the internet people seem to think it's better used as a nickname for Angelica and other names but Angelina, Angelica etc. don't sound the same so I find using Angel as a nickname for them a bit odd (the first syllable is different).

If we'd use a longer form which one is best?

Angelina - is this too Angelina Jolie? We do like Jolie as a name, but people told us it's too associated with her, is Angelina as well? I personally don't want a strong celeb association.

Angelica

Angela - too dated?

Angeline

Angelique

Angelia

Thanks, and sorry it got way too long. Just so pleased my husband made a suggestion.

To be completely honest the two Angels in my kids school are absolute brats and they are mocked by other kids for “not acting like their name”. I do think it’s setting someone up for a fall.

Well, it is, as that’s how my friend pronounces it.

Last time I checked we were in the Uk…

It’s a name that can be pronounced a couple of ways. Like Sara.

Angel seems to be given to girls who are little shits. It's a bit chav.

Evangeline is such a great shout. I don't mind Angelica either.

And yes, I think Angel as a full name is really naff.

Angel for a girl has a very distinct stripper vibe. Very cringy.

Angelica/Angelina are alright though

It's a bit ick, like Princess

I love Angela. I know it's seen as old fashioned now but it's actually a lovely name that means angel.

What about when she's being a little shit and you have to repeatedly shout it across the park so she'll get off the swing and come home so you can get the tea on?

Angel as a nickname that she can ditch as an adult if she chooses is fine. Angel as a name on its own doesn’t work well.

I like all the long names you suggested but particularly Angeline, I haven’t heard that and I love it

MIL knew someone called Fairy. They were short, fat and dumpy and most unfairylike. But a dab hand with a pistol.

Angelica is the nicest form of the name

Just Angel is too stripper, and that apart a lot to live up to for a small child

I love Angelica!

I hate the snobbery surrounding names in here.
@PicturesOfDogs , the snobbery will be out there in the real word too, only people will probably say 'Oh, what a lovely name to your face' while thinking that it's bloomin' awful.

Angelina and Angelica are nice.
I don't care for Angel. It's one of those names that would sound fine and respectable if you're a Spanish man (and use the Spanish pron.), but on a British woman it sounds twee and overly familiar. I'd suggest using it as a nickname.

This was my first thought, that stillborn babies or babies who die soon after birth are quite often named Angel (which makes a lot of sense).

Of the names you have listed, I like Angela and don't think it is dated.

I knew an Angel who was a sweet little girl but not sure about it for an adult. I went to school with a few Angela's ( early 1970s ) so that seems a bit dated and one was very unpleasant so perhaps that clouds my judgement somewhat! Angelica just reminds me of the Rugrats character!

DS went to school with a girl called Angel, she hated her name - especially when a family member died and her grandma started referring to ‘her two Angels’ 😞.
Angela is very dated.
Angelica is a Rugrat.
Angelina is nice.

I wouldn't use it. Maybe as some kind of nickname but I don't think I'd be too happy as an adult and having angel as a name.

Tbh I view it much like like Eden, originally a male name and so fine for a boy/man but a bit declasse for a girl.

Angelica is lovely and Angela is due a comeback imo.

I like Angela best of the options. It isn't too frilly and is due a comeback. I like Angelica as well, but not keen on Angelina.

It lacks substance, and has negative connotations for many.

Would you want to be called Angel, OP? I wouldn’t.

I’m not a fan, sorry OP.

Also if I saw it written somewhere I’d assume Angel was a man. I believe it’s unisex but I associate it as more male.

I think angela and angelina are nice then she doesn't have to be an adult called angel if it doesn't fit with the job she wants to do for example

Angels are men, aren't they?

I've met several female "Angels", none of them lives to their name sake. And their parents were not much better. Have met 2 lovel male Angels, absolutely live up to it.